Strong slate of games highlight first week of prep football predictions

Shaw running back Trey Ragas (5) scores on a touchdown run in the second half during the Westbank Optimist Club Jamboree at Hoss Memtsas Stadium on Friday, August 29, 2014. (Michael DeMocker, Nola.com / The Times-Picayune)

The high school football schedule makers decided to start the first week of the season in a big way with more than enough interesting matchups.

The only catch for fans is they can’t be at two games at the same time, but more than likely they can at least catch a good game in their area.

In celebration of so many intriguing games, the total number of predictions for this week is more than the standard 10 games.

The season is fast approaching, so let’s get to it by taking a look at some of the games.

Note:During the high school football regular season, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune's Jim Rapier will write a weekly picks column, highlighting some of the games in the New Orleans metro area. Following each of his selections, a NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune staff pick also will be provided for that game.

THIBODAUX vs. SHAW: The Eagles stay in Class 5A to start the season and should take this one with Trey Ragas helping lead the way.

The pick: Shaw 22, Thibodaux 13.

Staff pick: Thibodaux 21, Shaw 20.

GRACE KING vs. DE LA SALLE: That was a strong showing in the jamboree by the Cavaliers, and now they get the chance to build on it in the opener.

The pick: De La Salle 23, Grace King 10.

Staff pick: De La Salle 35, Grace King 6.

JOHN CURTIS at MANDEVILLE: Reloading is not a problem at Curtis, and Mandeville’s pattern the past few years is to get stronger as the season progresses. The Patriots should get a test but should prevail.

The pick: John Curtis 28, Mandeville 17.

Staff pick: John Curtis 27, Mandeville 13.

HOLY CROSS at COVINGTON: The Tigers and the Lions each reached the semifinals last season with talented teams. Holy Cross returns more of those standouts than Covington.

The pick: Holy Cross 24, Covington 20.

Staff pick: Holy Cross 31, Covington 20.

KARR at ST. PAUL’S: These two have squared off four of the past five seasons, with the Wolves and Cougars each winning twice. This one should be close, with St. Paul’s getting the edge thanks to home field.

The pick: St. Paul’s 20, Karr 19.

Staff pick: St. Paul’s 27, Karr 25.

JESUIT at PONCHATOULA: The Blue Jays return experienced starters, and Ponchatoula has fleet-footed quarterback Christian Campbell, whom Jesuit had a hard time containing last year (225 yards rushing). He’s the type of difference-maker that gives the Green Wave the nod.

The pick: Ponchatoula 28, Jesuit 24.

Staff pick: Ponchatoula 28, Jesuit 24.

RUMMEL vs. EAST ST. JOHN: Two-time defending state champion Rummel starts on the road against a talented East St. John squad. The Wildcats will be pumped up, but at this point the Raiders are used to getting other teams’ best effort.

The pick: Rummel 23, East St. John 16.

Staff pick: Rummel 20, East St. John 14.

McMAIN vs. NEWMAN: A couple area rivals schools tangle in this opener. The Greenies have too much firepower with running back Kendall Bussey and quarterback Jabiari Tyler.

The pick: Newman 31, McMain 21.

Staff pick: Newman 28, McMain 17.

BROTHER MARTIN at PATTERSON: The Crusaders hit the road against a potent Patterson team. This is great way to test a team’s mettle, and Martin may be up for the challenge.